Tripura attracting investors: Manik

Headlines Vol. 3 Issue No. 43

February 1-15, 2008

Tripura attracting investors: Manik

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar says the ruling Left Front Government’s success in taming the decades-old tribal insurgency is helping the state attract investors from as far as Japan and Germany.

“With the two-and-a-half-decade-old militancy showing signs of abating, countries like China, Japan, Germany, Thailand and Bangladesh, besides Indian investors, have shown interest to invest in or provide financial assistance to Tripura,” Sarkar claimed. Mr. Sarkar informed thatChina has agreed to provide technology to set up bamboo-based industries and livelihood opportunities to farmers and tribal people, while the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) would provide Rs.3.66 billion as soft loan to the State.

“Germany will also provide Rs.1.12 billion for ecological conservation projects and development of livelihood resources for tribals and other forest dwellers,” the Chief Minister said.

Last year, a Thai delegation led by Commerce Minister Krirk-Krai Jirapaet visited Tripura and expressed interest to invest in sectors like tourism, infrastructure, food processing and agro-based industries, he said.

“Though the central government praised the state government over its success in curbing militancy, we are not complacent. We have been keeping our security forces on alert in combating militancy and want a lasting solution,” Mr. Sarkar said.

Taking credit for his government’s achievements in stemming the insurgency, Sarkar said the number of extremist-related incidents fell from 499 in 2000 to 103 in 2007. Similarly, kidnappings have plunged from 542 in 2000 to 60 last year. Compared to 152 civilians killed in insurgency related violence in 2000, the toll in 2007 was only 20, he said. “Our government’s basic objective is to improve the standard of living of all sections of people of Tripura, with special emphasis towards the uplift of economic condition of the poor,” the chief minister said. Tripura’s per capita average annual income was only Rs.534 when it attained statehood in 1972 and the figure rose to Rs.20,357 in the last economic survey conducted in 2004. People living below the poverty line came down from 68 percent to 55 percent during the past eight years. The 59-year-old Communist Party of India-Marxist politburo member has now set his sight on creating political history in Tripura by becoming chief minister for the third straight time. “The state government has launched separate perspective plans to achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrains, fish, meat, dairy products and horticultural crops by 2010-12,” Mr. Sarkar said.

Tripura | North East Enquirer (Headlines) | Nena Home Page |

Your Visit No

Since April 20, 2000